Maria Paasivaara

Maria Paasivaara is a tenured Professor of Software Engineering at the School of Engineering Sciences, LUT University, Lahti campus. She specializes in agile methodologies and globally distributed software projects, bridging academic research with industry applications.

Her research focuses on Agile Software Development and Globally Distributed Software Development, examining how companies transition from traditional sequential methods to iterative agile approaches in international settings. She emphasizes that modern software engineering is collaborative teamwork—not solitary coding—with real-time customer feedback enabling functional applications in accelerated timelines. Her courses integrate students with client companies, where three-month projects often lead to student employment as companies value observed technical skills.

Professor Paasivaara actively challenges stereotypes about software engineering, highlighting its social dynamics and appeal to women through roles like Scrum Master. Previously at Aalto University and IT University of Copenhagen, she now contributes to LUT's new international software production program while advocating for early female exposure to coding and visible role models.

Her industry collaborations prioritize solving immediate corporate challenges over theoretical interests, ensuring research relevance. Companies frequently prioritize hiring her students over the software output itself, demonstrating the practical impact of her pedagogy.